​Polk State Softball's Alma Fernandez named All-FCSAA

WINTER HAVEN, FL — During a sophomore season to remember, Polk State Softball's Alma Fernandez established herself as one of the best junior college outfielders in the state of Florida.

She'll leave the program as an All-State selection.Fernandez has been named to the Florida College System Activities Association's second team.

The No. 3 hitter in the Polk State lineup for most of the year, Fernandez had a breakout 2023 season. As a freshman in 2022, Fernandez hit just .225 in 36 games. One of the most improved players as a sophomore, Fernandez hit a team-best .413 while also leading Polk State in OPS (1.124), doubles (15), walks (20), RBIs (29), slugging (.606) and on-base percentage (.518).

She ranked in the top 10 in the state in doubles and on-base percentage.

The left-handed hitting Fernandez appeared in 41 of Polk State's 42 games this season, including 37 starts. Fernandez had 14 multi-hit games. She tied a career-high with three hits on five different occasions.

Fernandez was a big reason for the Eagles' improvement in 2023. Polk State increased its win total by three from the previous season, finishing 17-25 under first-year Head Coach Mark Skapin.

Polk State finished third in Suncoast Conference play, the highest for the team since 2015.

"This is a well-deserved achievement and I am incredibly proud of Alma," Skapin said. "From the beginning of the semester, she was determined to go out with an amazing season. She drastically improved from last year and this is a testament to her hard work."